Al-Hilal Omdurman, a team displaced from their home due to civil unrest and forced to play their CAF Champions League matches in Kigali, Rwanda, achieved a notable 2-1 victory against the reigning South African champions, Mamelodi Sundowns. The match, played on Friday, January 30, 2026, at the Amahoro Stadium, saw Al-Hilal climb to the top of Group C.
The Sudanese side took the lead in the closing moments of the first half when veteran captain Mohamed Abdelrahman converted a penalty after Sundowns' goalkeeper Denis Onyango was adjudged to have fouled Abdelrazig Omer. Abdelrahman calmly slotted the ball into the right corner, sending Onyango the wrong way.
Al-Hilal carried their momentum into the second half, extending their lead just four minutes after the restart. Jean Claude Girumugisha capitalized on a loose ball outside the box and unleashed a low, precise shot that found the bottom corner of the net.
Mamelodi Sundowns, however, responded with a substitution that injected fresh impetus into their attack. Brazilian Arthur Sales, who came on as a substitute, reduced the deficit in the 61st minute with a close-range shot, giving Al-Hilal's goalkeeper Farid Ouedraogo no chance. Sales' goal marked his third in African competitions this season. Sundowns pushed for an equalizer, with Shalulile presented with an opportunity shortly after, but they were unable to capitalize.
Despite Mamelodi Sundowns' efforts to mount a comeback, Al-Hilal's defense held firm, securing a vital win for the Sudanese side. The victory marked Al-Hilal's first win against Mamelodi Sundowns. With this result, Al-Hilal now leads Group C with eight points, three ahead of Mamelodi Sundowns. Saint-Eloi Lupopo are third with four points, while Mouloudia Alger are at the bottom with one point.
The significance of Al-Hilal playing their home games in Kigali due to the ongoing civil war in Sudan adds another layer to their achievement. The team has had to overcome significant logistical and emotional challenges to compete in the CAF Champions League.
Mamelodi Sundowns' starting lineup included Onyango, Mudau, Cupido, Sibiya, Reisinho, Ndamane, Mokoena, Santos, Allende, Leon, and Matthews. Key players like Ronwen Williams were missing from the squad.
Other matches in the CAF Champions League on Saturday, January 31, 2026, included Young Africans versus Al Ahly, Petro Atlético versus Stade Malien, and FAR Rabat versus Kabylie.
